Application for a license to establish a foreign language center.

The growing demand for language education has made it increasingly important to establish a foreign language center. In recent years, the need for well-structured language programs has risen significantly, creating opportunities for high-quality educational institutions. However, setting up such a center requires obtaining an official license to ensure compliance with educational regulations and quality standards. This document outlines the necessary steps and requirements for applying for a license to establish a foreign language center.

Eligibility and requirements for a foreign language center license

Who can apply for a foreign language center license?

According to Article 2 of the Regulations on the Organization and Operation of Foreign Language and IT Centers (issued under Circular No. 21/2018/TT-BGDĐT on August 21, 2018, by the Minister of Education and Training), there are three types of foreign language centers:

• Centers established by the state

• Centers established by domestic organizations or individuals

• Centers established through full or partial capital investment by foreign individuals or organizations

Thus, individuals with full legal capacity, as well as legally established economic, social, and professional organizations, can establish a foreign language center for business purposes.

Conditions for obtaining a foreign language  center license

Businesses establishing foreign language centers must register in the education and training sector. While registering in this sector does not grant automatic permission to conduct training activities, it is a prerequisite for obtaining further necessary licenses. The Vietnamese legal system provides numerous industry codes, so businesses must select the most appropriate code that aligns with their training activities.

Licensing procedures for establishing a foreign language center

Required documents for a foreign language center license

Organizations and individuals applying for a foreign language center license must prepare the following documents. Depending on the applicant, additional paperwork may be required. According to Clause 2, Article 47 of Decree 46/2017/ND-CP, which governs investment and operational conditions in education, the required documents include:

• Application form for establishing a foreign language center

• Business plan, including:

  • Name, type, and location of the center

  • Justification and legal basis for its establishment

  • Objectives, functions, and responsibilities

  • Training programs and scale of operations

  • Infrastructure and facilities

  • Organizational structure, including director, deputy directors (if applicable), and specialized departments

  • Resume of the proposed director

• Draft regulations on the organization and operation of the center

Additional documents required from applicants include:

• Educational operation registration form

• Establishment decision, director appointment decision, and tuition fee decision

• Operational regulations of the center

• List of directors, department heads, teachers, and staff

• Inventory of facilities and teaching programs

• Sample certificate of course completion

• Official requests for director recognition and center accreditation

• Financial plan for the next three years

• Certified copies of the Business Registration Certificate and Investment Registration Certificate

• Fire safety inspection report

• Director’s dossier, including:

  • Certified copies of ID and qualifications

  • Proof of experience

  • Certified resume

  • Health certificate

  • Employment contract

• Teachers’ and staff members’ dossiers, including:

  • Certified copies of ID and qualifications

  • Certified resume

  • Health certificate

  • Employment contract

Licensing process for a foreign language center

Step 1: Prepare the application
The applicant submits a complete application for a foreign language center license to the Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee or the Director of the Department of Education and Training (via direct submission, postal mail, or online).

Step 2: Application review and processing

• Within five working days, the Director of the Department of Education and Training will review the application. If any documents are missing or incorrect, the applicant will be notified in writing to make the necessary corrections.

• Within ten working days of receiving a valid application, the relevant authorities will inspect the center’s actual compliance with legal requirements and document the findings in an official report.

• Within five working days after the inspection, the competent authority will either approve the center’s educational operations or issue a written explanation if the application is denied.

Step 3: License issuance
The applicant receives the foreign language center license on the date specified in the appointment slip.

Processing time and fees for a foreign language center license

Processing Time
Under Vietnamese law, the licensing process typically takes 20 working days from the date of receiving a complete and valid application. However, in practice, it may take 25 to 30 working days for the authorities to process the application.

Fees
There are no legal fees for obtaining a foreign language center license, so applicants are not required to pay any fees during the process.

BKC Law’s licensing services for foreign language centers

With a team of highly experienced lawyers, deep legal expertise, and strong bilingual consulting capabilities, BKC Law is confident in being one of the best legal partners for businesses looking to establish a foreign language center.

Additionally, BKC Law offers services in:

• Litigation

• Post-establishment business services

• Comprehensive accounting and tax services

• Legal services for foreigners in Vietnam

For a free legal consultation at BKC Law, please contact us

Phone: 0901 3333 41
Email: info@bkclaw.vn

District 1 Office: 9th Floor, Diamond Plaza, 34 Lê Duẩn, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Binh Tan Office: 41 Tên Lửa, Binh Tan, Ho Chi Minh City

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